13-digit mobile numbers from July 31, 2018: Here’s all you need to know

13-digit mobile numbers from July 31, 2018: Here’s all you need to know

13-digit mobile numbers from July 31, 2018: Here’s all you need to know

Not that most people remember other people’s mobile numbers but imagine if you were told that the 10-digit number will now be a 13-digit number.

Forget other people’s number, one may even have tough time remembering their own number! A recent directive issued by Department of Telecom (DoT) to telecom companies has created a mini-panic among mobile phone users.

However, there’s no need to be mortified as the directive is related to M2M or machine-to-machine SIM cards and not regular ones.

Here’s all that you need need to know about this DoT order:

No, your mobile number isn’t changing

Mobile numbers are changing for sure but don’t fret as your number is unaffected.

The letter written by DoT to telecom companies specifies that the 13-digit numbers are only for M2M SIM cards.

It’s only for M2M cards

M2M or machine2machine SIM cards are used in automated machines. M2M SIM cards are widely used in machines that run on network connectivity.

These machines could range from smallest of gadgets to big machinery but they all need Internet or mobile network connectivity for their basic functioning.

These are used for applications in smarthomes, fleet management, traffic control, supply chain, wearbles and more.

Rumours started from a letter

It all began with a letter sent from DoT to ZTE and Nokia. The letter specified, “It is decided that 13-digit M2M (Machine-to-machine) numbering plan will be implemented from July 1, 2018.

From this date onwards, all new M2M mobile connections will be allocated 13-digit numbers only.”

Despite clearly mentioning that it was for M2M, the word SIM cards and numbers sent alarm bells ringing for common folk.

Important dates for M2M SIM cards: July 31, 2018; October 1, 2018; December 31, 2018

The DoT has notified telecom companies to issue only 13-digit numbers. The new numbering plan will come into effect from July 31, 2018 — all new connections will be given a 13-digit numbers.

The existing M2M numbers will be migrated to 13-digits from October 1, 2018. The deadline for entire migration has been set to December 31, 2018.

India will have the longest mobile numbers now

When the 13-digit numbers come into play, India will have the longest mobile numbers (excluding country code). So far, China is the only country with 11-digit mobile numbers.